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However, the Hoppers’ captain has revealed there was a point he thought he wouldn’t be at Bunton Park this year.

Speaking for the first time since rejecting a lucrative offer from Goulburn Valley contender Benalla, the Ovens and Murray champion said just the thought of leaving the club he’d played more than 200 games at was enough to convince him to stay.

“I’ve been at the club so long and really didn’t want to leave the place in a dark hour,” Leslie said.

“I didn’t want to leave them high and dry.”

North Albury rocked the competition last month when club officials revealed the Hoppers were $123,000 in debt.

The news came as a host of senior players were leaving Bunton Park, with even more seeking greener pastures after the true extent of the Hoppers’ financial woes became public.

Adam Prior (Lavington), Matt McDonald (Jindera), Kane Godde and Kade Brown (Thurgoona) are the bigger names to depart Bunton Park this summer — clearances are still pending for Prior and McDonald.

Leslie admits there was a point in time he thought he was going to be next out the door.

“There was,” he said.

“The option was there.

“Benalla was the only club I spoke to but I weighed it all up and had a good chat with the committee at North and am now just looking to move forward.”

Apart from a stint under former Myrtleford coach Stan Magro at WAFL club Perth in 2005, Leslie has been rarely sighted in colours other than green and gold since making his debut for the Hoppers on a wing against Wangaratta at Bunton Park in 2000.

The tall utility, who took out the Hoppers’ best and fairest award for the first time in his distinguished career last season, also played in the club’s most recent premiership in 2002.

He has represented the league and Victoria Country on multiple occasions.